Braves Looking For Outfield, Infield Depth

Earlier today, the Braves announced that Chipper Jones will undergo surgery on his left knee and is expected to be sidelined approximately three weeks. General Manager Frank Wren said that he was looking to acquire backup outfield help even before the injury and will continue to do so, tweets David O'Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

While Johnny Damon remains unsigned, it's unclear how much interest the Braves have in the outfielder, O'Brien tweets. Meanwhile, the Braves are looking for more infield depth as well, tweets Jayson Stark of ESPN.com. However, Stark notes that Jack Wilson could be back in action as soon as Sunday.

a’s aren’t really looking for general infield depth though, just 3B, and we have pretty much the equivilant of those two in sogard and rosales. good late inning replacements, guys who shouldn’t be starters

It would make my season if they could get anything of value (before he is released as soon as CC gets back) for McDonald and Swindle some team out of a warm body for Punto, cause that would mean that Iglesias would be the starting SS, Avilles would be the perfect utility player and probably Repco the very temporary 4th OF until CC returns the 2nd or 3rd week of the season.

Seriously though? mcDonald, hot spring and all probably wouldn’t bring another AAAA type player in any deal and doubtful the 35YO Punto is appealing to Atlanta, but I wish Wren would put on blinders and take ’em both BAD!

Therefore, the perfect scenario. Getting anything for McDonald would be a plus, since he’ll probably be waived. Valentine wants Iglesias, leaving Aviles (agreed….an excellent utility man) backing up. Punto and McDonald may only bring a AA player, but the Sox would be giving close to zero.

the only issue, is most other teams have players like mcdonald (AAAA types having hot springs) and are also trying to get anything for them before waive/releasing them as well.

Philly also could be a opportunity for Punto, but they probably want someone who can actually hit and is not as old as Punto. Shame too, cause I also lke Avilles, who can play 3b/2b/ss/RF etc.. PLUS h can actually hit, were Punto is pretty much just R/S of the infield and glove only at this point.

I have enjoyed what have seen from Ciraco also this spring, but looked up his career bb/k stats? it’s abysmal. 110 bb/510k and a 270OBP in his MILB career. He *is* supposed to be a glove specialist however, though is out of options meaning they have 1 shot of adding him to the 25 man roster before exposing him to waivers.

it would be nice here also if they could move Punto’s 2/3m deal to someplace else. Philly, being desperate for help seems the only place right now and if they won’t take him? IMO they are stuck.

I like Johnny Damon alot. He’s old but he’s still got some left in him. Besides, he would only be a starter until Chipper gets back in less than a month. I’d prefer him to the three guys we have competing for the backup outfielder spot right now.

What about Vlad Guerrero? He’s 1 season away from 29 HRs and is looking to play (as interest in playing in Japan as warranted such). He’s been outstanding in the NL, and while he might not be the best OF, Bourn’s above-AVG ground coverage could make up for it.

Is Alfredo Amezaga signed to a minor league deal atm? he might be worth a shot and is a terrific teacher/clubhouse guy if he can EVER get over the injuries from a couple seasons back, or those microfractures in his leg.

From your nice infield list.. Cantu has my choice as the best upside and can play decent 1b/3b below average 2b.. I would take him and hope he can make his 3rd offensive comeback and he’s just on a minor league deal..Somewhere.. hall is just..Billy Hall.. All swing and miss, can stand at every position, but cannot field any and swings + misses everything IMO.